Orikum Marina Anchorage Guide

The Anchorage

Dedicated marina berths in the inner basin of Orikum Marina in 3–5m over mud and sand. The marina is sheltered from all directions by the Karaburun Peninsula to the W, the surrounding hills to the N and E, and the inner bay geometry of the Laguna e Nartës system to the S. This is the recommended facility for foreign yachts visiting the Vlorë area — a modest but fully functional marina with electricity and water on the berths. The calm conditions inside are reliable even when NW Adriatic swell is running outside. The 50m alarm radius applies to berth use — when on a berth, set the alarm conservatively to detect any unexpected movement of the vessel or change in mooring arrangement. Contact the marina in advance on VHF Ch 12; the marina is active during the sailing season (May–October). Access from the S is the recommended approach — keep E of the Karaburun Peninsula ridge line and do NOT enter the Bay of Vlorë main area (military zone).

Setting Your Anchor

The bottom at Orikum Marina is primarily mud and sand with reliable holding when properly set.

1. Confirm your position relative to the military zone before anchoring near Vlorë — the Bay of Vlorë (W of the commercial port) and Sazan Island are strictly restricted. Stay E and S of the port approach.
2. Approach in daylight only — unlit fish farm gear in the Vlorë bay approaches. Time arrivals at least 2 hours before sunset.
3. Approach slowly and check your depth sounder. At 3–5m, deploy minimum 7:1 scope (35m chain at 5m depth).
4. Set firmly in reverse — 30–60 seconds at moderate throttle. Use the scope calculator to confirm adequate chain.

Recommended anchor types: Rocna, Mantus, Spade.

Overnight Anchoring & Anchor Alarm

Overnight stays at Orikum Marina are excellent — all-round protection means minimal boat movement.

Set your GPS anchor alarm to 50m radius before going below. 50m alarm radius for marina berth use in 3–5m. The marina basin is enclosed and the primary concern is not anchor dragging (on a berth) but positional monitoring — the alarm at 50m will alert if the boat moves unexpectedly from the berth. The all-round shelter provided by the Karaburun Peninsula and the inner bay geometry means external weather conditions are not a concern inside the marina basin under normal circumstances. Always contact the marina ahead of arrival — VHF Ch 12 or via Sarandë/Vlorë clearance agent — as berth allocation is managed by marina staff. The approach from the S along the E coast of Karaburun is well-marked and straightforward in daylight; do NOT approach from the W (Ionian side of Karaburun) due to the MPA restrictions.

Best May–October. Orikum Marina operates through the sailing season — peak use is July–August when Vlorë area tourism is at its height, but the marina rarely fills completely. May and June are excellent: settled weather, the Karaburun coast is at its most vivid, and clearance formalities proceed quickly with fewer boats ahead. September is outstanding — warm water, thinning crowds, and the Albanian mountain backdrop provides spectacular autumn light. October remains viable with settled weather but services in Orikum town reduce after mid-October. Not recommended for extended stays November–April due to increased Adriatic NE Bora and NW storm frequency.

Navigation Hazards

• Military zone — Bay of Vlorë and Sazan Island: the inner bay of Vlorë W of the port approach line and all waters around Sazan Island are strictly forbidden military zones enforced by armed patrol vessels; do NOT deviate W of the recommended approach corridor; the consequences of entering these zones are serious
• Fish farm unlit gear near Vlorë approaches: fish farms with unlit equipment are present in the approaches to Vlorë and Orikum; daylight arrival and departure are mandatory — do NOT attempt to transit the Vlorë approach area at night
• Karaburun-Sazan MPA restrictions: the W coast of the Karaburun Peninsula and waters around Sazan Island are a Marine Protected Area with active patrol enforcement; anchoring within MPA boundaries is restricted; stay E of the Karaburun ridge line at all times
• Mandatory clearance agent: Albania requires a clearance agent for all foreign yachts entering at Vlorë — do NOT bypass this requirement; arrange the agent before arrival (advertised on Noonsite and Albanian sailing forums); failure to comply risks detention and serious fines
• Limited marina facilities: Orikum Marina is modest in scale — confirm berth availability in advance, especially July–August; if the marina is full, the Vlorë outer anchorage is the alternative but the military zone restrictions make positioning critical

Rules & Regulations

• MILITARY ZONE: Bay of Vlorë and Sazan Island — do NOT enter or anchor. Armed patrol vessels enforce this restriction.
• Albania entry — clearance agent mandatory: All foreign yachts must use a local clearance agent (~€100–150). VHF Ch 16/12 at Vlorë. Fly yellow Q flag on entry.
• Anchoring fee: Berth fee applies — contact marina in advance. Rates are modest by Adriatic standards (seasonal, typically €20–35/night for a 12m yacht). Electricity and water charged additionally.
• Maximum stay: 14 days
• Restrictions: Approach from the S only — keep E of the Karaburun Peninsula; do NOT enter the Bay of Vlorë main area (military zone W of port approach line). Daylight approach strongly recommended — fish farm gear with unlit equipment in the Vlorë approaches. Do NOT approach or transit near Sazan Island (military exclusion zone). Contact marina on VHF Ch 12 before entering the marina basin.

For a full overview, see our overnight anchoring rules by region guide.

Facilities

• Fresh water: Available
• Fuel: Not available — nearest: Vlorë city (10km N, taxi required) (5.4nm)
• Restaurant: None — nearest at Vlorë city (10km N, taxi required) (5.4nm)
• Provisions: None on site — Vlorë city (10km N, taxi required) (5.4nm)

Skipper's Tips

1. Arrange the Vlorë clearance agent before departing your previous port — the agent meets you at the quay (or the outer anchorage) and handles all customs, border police, and port authority formalities; the process takes 1–3 hours; recommended agents advertise on Noonsite Albania
2. The approach from the S along the E coast of Karaburun is straightforward in daylight: keep the Karaburun Peninsula clearly to port and follow the inner bay coast N toward Orikum; the marina entrance is visible from the S approach
3. Orikum makes an excellent base for 3–5 day exploration of the Vlorë area: taxi to Vlorë city (€10–15) for supermarkets, restaurants, and the excellent Vlorë historical museum (Independence Museum); day boats to the Karaburun MPA coastal scenery from outside MPA boundaries; driving inland to the Llogara Pass (1,027m, spectacular views)
4. Albanian Lek cash is essential — exchange euros at a Vlorë city bank or exchange office (favourable rates); most transactions including taxis, local shops, and market produce require ALL cash; cards are rarely accepted outside of hotel and larger restaurant contexts
5. Contact the marina on VHF Ch 12 at least 30 minutes before arrival to arrange berth allocation; the marina staff are helpful and can advise on current fuel availability (jerry-can fuel from Orikum town or Vlorë), taxi contacts, and local conditions